"The world's oldest cat has
died, two months
after celebrating its 31st birthday. Spike, a ginger and white tom,
died in his owner's arms at Bridport, Dorset. The Guinness Book of
Records confirmed Spike's claim to fame after owner Mo Elkington took
him to an astonished vet three years ago.

The cat's life nearly ended
early after a
mere 19 years, when he was savaged by a dog. Spike was first bought for
two shillings and sixpence in London's Brick Lane market in 1970. Mrs
Elkington and her husband David have owned the cat since he was seven

She
first found out Spike was a world beater on a visit to a vet after "a
funny turn". When the vet was told Spike's age, he thought he must have
mis-heard. Mrs Elkington attributed Spike's long life to the aloe vera
gel she had been putting in the cat food for 10 years. She thought an
irregular heartbeat might have helped.

When Spike turned 30, Mrs
Elkington put up
banners and photographs on her stall at Bridport market. Her pet still
had a full set of teeth, went hunting and "ate like a horse". Fan mail
arrived from around the world - including letters addressed simply to
Spike of Bridport and The Famous Cat in Dorset."